Cornerback Jerome Murphy and safety Jose Gumbs seemed like long shots in training camp to make the Washington Redskins’ roster. But when the team made its cuts to 53 players over the weekend, Murphy and Gumbs still were around.

It didn’t hurt, of course, that the team lost a player at each position during the preseason. Rookie safety Phillip Thomas suffered a season-ending Lisfranc foot injury and cornerback Richard Crawford suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Still, Murphy and Gumbs beat out others who once appeared headed toward securing roster spots. The Redskins released DeJon Gomes, a former starter at safety, and cornerback Chase Minnifield, who later was re-signed to the practice squad. Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that the decisions to keep Murphy and Gumbs weren’t particularly difficult.

“That was pretty easy,” Shanahan said. “Murphy is one heck of a special teams player. When he has played the corner position, he’s played it well. He’s got speed. He’s got size. He’s been dominating on special teams. Gumbs came in and competed. That’s what we tell these players: We don’t care if you’re a first-round draft choice or a free agent, we’re gonna play the best players. Gumbs came in and played well, and he earned himself a roster spot.”

"I’m never under the assumption that you draft for need. You draft the best available football player on the board. ... Because, in the long run, they are the ones who will help you win the most games." - Scot McCloughan